Rockets Exploit Mismatches in Game 1 Beatdown

posted by Ben DuBose -

May 2, 2017

It's only one game, but the San Antonio Spurs sure look like a better matchup for the Rockets than the Oklahoma City Thunder.

James Harden (20 points, 14 assists, 3 turnovers) was more efficient. Clint Capela (20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks) was tougher. Led by Trevor Ariza and Pat Beverley, the Rockets defense held an opponent under 100 points for the third time in six playoff games.

Oh, and the Rockets also set an all-time franchise record with 22 made three-pointers (on 50 attempts). Ariza and Ryan Anderson, who hit just six shots from behind the arc in the entire first round combined, connected on a staggering nine in Game 1 alone.

It all added up to a 126-99 win for the Rockets in Monday night's Game 1 in San Antonio. In my postgame recap, I explore all the numerous positives across the board for Houston, along with a look forward on why Wednesday night's Game 2 is very much there for the taking:

Talking Rockets w/ Ben DuBose

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